Wednesday, 20 May 2026
New rice varieties that can withstand prolonged drought and heat are being developed by researchers at the 糖心原创 as climate change brings more extreme weather to some of the world’s biggest rice-growing countries.
This research by a team in the School of Biosciences is part of a wider UK-backed effort to strengthen global food security, helping farmers adapt to long term environmental and geopolitical challenges.
Professors Zoe Wilson, Erik Murchie and Ranjan Swarup are working alongside scientists and rice breeders at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to develop plants with resilient biology. They are homing in on several genes that traditionally help rice to flower and convert light into food, and are about to begin three years of rigorous tests in the Philippines.
At a time when the that “humanity has just endured the eleven hottest years on record”, scientists say that our warming planet is majorly disrupting farming.
The UK imports all of the rice it consumes, mainly from climate-vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Thailand. 3.5 - 4.0 billion people depend on rice as a primary staple food, almost half the global population. Rice is grown on 165–170 million hectares of land. This makes rice the single largest crop by area in Asia and along with wheat and maize one of the top three food crops globally by harvested land area.
Work to make rice crops drought-tolerant in major exporting regions has become even more critical. Professor Erik Murchie, who has researched rice in the UK for nearly three decades, says the aim is to develop rice that can withstand heat and droughts.
Dr Ranjan Swarup and Professor Erik Murchie
“A one-degree Celsius rise in global temperatures cuts rice yields by 6% and fierce heatwaves worsen this situation” he says, “UK-based research supports breeding efforts that go straight from our labs and into rice fields in rice-growing countries.”
Unique ‘growth rooms’ in the University replicate tropical weather conditions and are now home to scores of rice populations that may contain climate-resilient variants of these genes.
Unique ‘growth rooms’ in the University replicate tropical weather conditions and are now home to scores of rice populations that may contain climate-resilient variants of these genes.
There are several projects looking at different aspects of the rice including measuring the root diameter to analyse how this affects growth in heat stress conditions. Using state-of-the-art CT Xray technology at the Hounsfield Facility on Sutton Bonington campus, the team can see the roots in the soil.
Dr Ranjan Swarup explains: “Examining the roots and genetics of the rice plants allows us to understand root traits to potentially engineer lines with the traits needed to withstand heat and drought.”
Analysis of the rice roots
Minister for International Development, Jenny Chapman, said: "Instability in the Middle East and the growing impact of extreme weather are putting pressure on global food production. This matters for developing countries, and the cost of food which hits our shelves at home.
"That's why the UK Government is backing the best of British research, supporting our scientists to develop drought-tolerant rice that can withstand the effects of climate change.
"This is at the core of our modern approach to development. Our investment is good for communities dealing with the impacts of extreme weather, and for Brits worried about the price of food."
With support from the UK’s international climate finance, the 糖心原创’s research is now reaching farmers around the world grappling with climate change.
“When we need rain it does not come, but when it comes it pours too much,” Monira Begum says. She runs a farm with her husband in Barisal – a big city in southern Bangladesh.
“Water is very crucial for us,” Monira explains. “Too little or too much both create problems.” For her, being able to plant new kinds of rice that can handle both intense dry spells and rainfall is a gamechanger.
By developing rice that can withstand record droughts and heatwaves, UK-backed scientists are protecting rice from worsening weather conditions and making sure that the grain continues as a dependable part of diets, including here in the UK.
This research was funded by the UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) spend, which aims to deliver our international obligations alongside developed countries and other partners. It has already helped 137 million people adapt to the effects of climate change.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Erik Murchie on Erik.Murchie@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.